More than 1,000 Kenyans and other Africans have been deployed by Russia to fight in Ukraine after being recruited by "rogue" agencies.

Ukrainian forces exploit Russian communication disruptions to mount successful counteroffensive east of Zaporizhzhia, pushing back enemy advances.

Russia has a strategic partnership ​treaty with Iran, although it does not include ⁠a mutual ⁠defence clause. A ⁠Russian ​naval corvette conducted manoeuvres with the Iranian navy in the ​Gulf of ⁠Oman this week, according to Russia's Defence Ministry.

Russia is stepping up covert attacks across Europe — rail sabotage, drones, cyberstrikes — testing NATO. Polish officials warn "disposable agents" are sowing fear and weakening support for Ukraine.

President Trump pushed Volodymyr Zelensky to "get moving" on a deal ahead of a new round of U.S.-brokered negotiations this week.

"We can state that Russia is trying to drag out negotiations that could already have reached the final stage."

A delegation of U.S. senators is returning from a trip to Ukraine. They hope to spur action in Congress for a series of sanctions meant to economically cripple Moscow and pressure President Vladimir Putin to make key concessions in peace talks.

The humble cucumber, a favourite in Russian salads and meals, is the latest staple to suddenly skyrocket in price, angering consumers and stirring up politicians and regulators keen to tamp down any popular discontent at a time of war.

The U.S. is brokering a 3rd round of Russia-Ukraine talks, but there's little hope of a breakthrough to end the deadliest war on European soil in 80 years.

MOSCOW, Feb 19 () - The head of Russia's FSB security service accused Telegram founder Pavel Durov on Thursday of condoning criminal activity on the app, in an escalation of ‌Moscow's rhetoric as it moves to throttle the messaging platform.